What is 'Friction Loss'?
Frictional loss is a term used to describe the resistance incurred when pushing water through a pipe or flexible hose. The more water you try to pass through a hose, the more frictional resistance you will incur and the less flow you are likely to see coming out at the end. It's therefore important to select to right size pond hose for the project in hand.
Selecting a pump and hose without an awareness of frictional resistance can often lead to 'guesswork' and more often than not, a far too powerful pump fitted to a far too small hose diameter. This costs more for the pump purchase and leads to much higher running costs.
Understanding Friction Loss.
Frictional loss makes the difference between a robust flow coming down your stream and a reduced or even non-existent flow. It is affected by factors such as:
Hose Diameter:
The larger the hose diameter, the lower the frictional resistance. It is advisable to use the largest hose that the pump manufacturer suggests.
Hose Length:
Keeping the hose as short as possible will minimise losses. Therefore, try to take the shortest route between the pump and the point of discharge.
Hose Quality:
Avoid using cheap 'Aquatic Hose' with ribbed internals as it causes severe losses due to turbulence. It may also degrade quickly, leading to fractures as this is often not UV stabilised so becomes brittle over time.
Our Solutions:
Here at Water Garden, we offer the following:
- High-quality, smooth bore flexible hose to ensure longevity and minimise losses.
- Special charts that allow us to calculate and account for flow losses.
- Consultation to help you choose the right hose and pump, potentially leading to lower energy consumption and purchase costs.
Contact Us:
For assistance with friction loss calculations and product recommendations, please contact our support team. We are here to help you with your pond equipment needs, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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